Mansel Park
🏟 Playground & park · Millbrook, Southampton
Mansel Park
A large Millbrook park with an award-winning, Docklands-themed playground built around a container-ship that turns into a robot.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open at all times. · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
Address: Evenlode Road, Millbrook, Southampton, SO16 9RS
Plus Code: 9C2WWGHR+82
About Mansel Park
Mansel Park is a large 10.6-hectare open space in the Millbrook area of west Southampton, managed by Southampton City Council and a past community award winner. It serves the surrounding neighbourhood with a broad mix of recreation set among grassland and surfaced paths. The park has been rejuvenated through a dedicated play investment, with the children's playground redesigned to include separate toddler and junior areas. The standout feature is a Docklands-themed play structure designed by local artist Andy Frost in the shape of a container ship that converts into a robot, complete with climbing rings, monkey bars and a climbing pole, reflecting Southampton's port heritage. Alongside the playground there is a fitness trail, a new shelter and seating area, a multi-use games area (MUGA), sports pitches and an adult outdoor exercise space, as well as boxing and youth community resources. Good accessibility is provided by macadam surfaced paths through the park. The council's facilities listing does not confirm on-site toilets, parking or a cafe, so visitors should check locally before travelling. Entry to the park and the use of the playground are free.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Dedicated toddler and junior play areas
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)
- Sports pitches
- Adult outdoor exercise space
- Fitness trail
- Shelter and seating
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Accessibility: Good accessibility via macadam surfaced paths.
🧒 Ages & play
- Container-ship themed play structure (converting into a robot)
- Climbing rings
- Monkey bars
- Climbing pole
- Swings
- Slides
📍 Nearby places to play
- St James' Park · approx 1.3 miles · Shirley
- Aldermoor Road Open Space · approx 1.3 miles · Coxford
- Southampton Common · approx 2.1 miles · The Avenue / Highfield
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Mansel Park free?
Yes. Entry to Mansel Park and its playground is free.
What's in the playground?
There are separate toddler and junior areas and a Docklands-themed play structure shaped like a container ship that turns into a robot, with climbing rings, monkey bars and a climbing pole, plus swings and slides. There is also a fitness trail and a multi-use games area nearby.
Are there toilets and a cafe?
The council's facilities listing for Mansel Park does not confirm on-site toilets or a cafe, so please check locally before visiting.
Where is Mansel Park?
Mansel Park is on Evenlode Road in the Millbrook area of Southampton, postcode SO16 9RS, in the west of the city.
Is the playground suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The redesigned playground has a dedicated toddler area as well as a junior area, so it caters for younger children as well as older ones.